Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 30 August to 5 September 2024
Date:
5 September 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification: In Confidence
Tracking number: 2425-0009 /GOV-034948
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
05/09/2024
05/09/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES .............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ...................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE................................................................................................................................... 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ................................................................ 4
SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) ....................................................................................................................... 4
OPERATIONS (ACC) .............................................................................................................................. 4
MONITORING (Treasury) ..................................................................................................................... 4
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 30 August to 5 September 2024 ................................... 5
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ...................................................................................................... 5
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks .............................................................................. 6
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................. 6
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers....................................................................................... 6
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have commenced drafting the necessary Amendment Regulations.
Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will need to be approved by LEG before being submitted
to the Executive Council, and are expected to come into force on 1 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
A briefing seeking your feedback on, and agreement to, lodge a Cabinet paper seeking permission
from the Cabinet Social Outcomes Committee to undertake a further round of public consultation on
the independent panel’s recommended additions to Schedule 2, will be sent to your office in
September.
2025-2028 Levy Round
Following final Cabinet approval of your paper on 2 September 2024, ACC will commence
consultation on 11 September 2024. MBIE is working with ACC on proactive material to support your
office during the consultation stage.
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
ACC performance reporting is on a monthly cycle and has not been finalised for August. The
information below was provided in your weekly report on 29 August. You will be provided with an
update on ACC’s rehabilitation performance at your meeting with ACC Board Chair Dr Tracey Batten
and Chief Executive Megan Main on 24 September.
Assisted Recovery 1:1 Case Management
ACC has now transitioned all designated Assisted Recovery staff to one-to-one case management for
new and low complexity weekly compensation claims, with 100% of new claims now managed this
way. ACC closed 17,818 claims in July 2024, compared to 13,478 in June, and the ten-week return to
work rate for this cohort increased to 54.1%, up from 53.4% in June.
Establish New Integrated Recovery Team
ACC has recruited or transferred 41% of the required FTE for the team at the end of July 2024. The
exit rate for the long-term claim pool improved to at 9% in July up from 8.7% in June.
Integrated Care Pathway Musculoskeletal
4,897 ACC clients were using the new service at the end of July 2024, compared to 3,429 clients in
June. ACC forecasts that over 8,300 clients will use the service by 30 June 2025.
3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES 1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
None.
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 ACC levies consultation
As anticipated in last week’s report, following Cabinet approval on 2 September, ACC will commence
consultation on the 2025-2028 Levy Round. ACC’s public levy consultation runs from 11 September to
9 October 2024. More details on the proposed changes and instructions on how to submit feedback
will be available from 11 September on this website: https://www.shapeyouracc.co.nz/.
2.2 ACC clients now receive their claim approval and claim number in a single text notification
ACC clients can start their recovery journey more quickly due to a new process where they receive a
single text message that confirms their claim has been approved and provides their claim number.
Clients can use this claim approval text to start their recovery with a treatment provider without
needing to contact ACC first.
In July, ACC received over 1,600 calls from clients wanting to know their ACC claim number, and
approximately 200 people a month search for their ACC claim number on the website.
Previously, when a client lodged an ACC claim, they would receive a brief text message confirming
their claim was accepted. This was followed by a physical letter containing the claim number that
could arrive up to a week or more after the initial text message. The change will also reduce the cost
and environmental impact of sending posted letters.
Future iterations of the Smart Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology will also ask for claim
numbers so the client’s call can be directed to the correct queue for faster handling. ACC provided
reports on the roll out of Smart IVR across contact centres in your weekly reports for 20 June and 22
August 2024.
Some claims assessed and approved manually will still generate a physical CVR40 letter, as well as
any cover approvals that do not generate the CVR40 letter. ACC can still generate a physical letter
with the claim acceptance information for clients if they request a copy of their notification.
3. MONITORING (Treasury)
3.1 Independent review of ACC Investments
The purpose of the 2025 independent review of ACC Investments is to provide assurance for
Ministers that ACC’s management of its investment portfolios is fit for purpose, and
consistent with the provisions in the AC Act 2001 and other relevant legislation. It is a
voluntary rather than a statutory review. In your and the Minister of Finance’s letter of
expectations to ACC dated 18 April this year, you stated your joint expectation that ACC
would work collaboratively with Treasury officials in the preparation phase and with the
eventual reviewer.
Treasury has been working with ACC’s management, Board Investment Committee and the
ACC Board and agreed a draft terms of reference for the review, which will be sent to you
and the Minister of Finance on 19 September for approval.
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 30 August to 5 September 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
2425-0501
Meefing with United Fire Brigades’
MBIE
Bridget Duley 02/09/2024
Associafion
GOV-035003 s 9(2)(i)
ACC
Stafford
05/09/2024
Thompson
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
2425-1050
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 06/09/2024
GOV-034885 ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andy Milne
11/09/2024
2324-3634
Schedule 2 – Proposed addifions, draft
MBIE
Bridget Duley 18/09/2024
Cabinet paper and consultafion document
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 19/09/2024
T2024/2429
Aide Memoire: Meeting with ACC Chair and
Treasury
Glen Thomson 20/09/2024
Chief Executive on 24 September 2024
T2024/2416
Treasury Report: ACC Independent Review - Treasury
Glen Thomson 19/09/2024
Approve Terms of Reference and
commence GETS Request for Purchase
GOV-034426 Meefing with CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury
ACC
Phil Riley
20/09/2024
Trust
GOV-035007 s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andy Milne
26/09/2024
2425-0431
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBD
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
September
SOU
October
Schedule 2 – Approval to Consult
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
5
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Subject matter
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Subject matter
Status
Agency
Contact
None.
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
s 9(2)(a) (One
Copies of advice and correspondence to the Minister
MBIE
09/09/2024
News)
for ACC mentioning mental injury boundaries in the
ACC scheme.
s 9(2)(a)
Weekly reports from June and July 2024.
MBIE
09/09/2024
(RNZ)
(to MO)
s 9(2)(a) (Cooper Documents relating to recommendations 75, 76, and
MBIE
09/09/2024
Legal)
78-83 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse
in Care.
Whānau Ora
Communications and staff details relating to Ngā Tini
ACC
10/09/2024
Commissioning
Whetū
Agency
Member of public
Information about staff roles fol owing restructure
ACC
13/09/2024
RNZ
Information on ACC AI trial
ACC
18/09/2024
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
None.
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None.
6
Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 6 to 12 September 2024
Date:
12 September 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification:
In Confidence
Tracking number: 0002675/GOV-035063
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
12/09/2024
12/09/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO .................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE .................................................................................................................................. 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ............................................................. 4
1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) .............................................................................................................. 4
2.
OPERATIONS (ACC) ................................................................................................................. 4
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 6 to 12 September 2024 ............................................. 6
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ..................................................................................................... 6
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks ............................................................................ 7
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................ 7
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers ..................................................................................... 7
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have commenced drafting the necessary Amendment Regulations.
Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will need to be approved by LEG before being submitted
to the Executive Council, and are expected to come into force on 1 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
In September, we intend to send a briefing seeking your feedback on, and agreement to, lodge a
Cabinet paper seeking permission from the Cabinet Social Outcomes Committee to undertake a
further round of public consultation on the independent panel’s recommended additions to
Schedule 2.
2025-2028 Levy Round
ACC has commenced consultation and MBIE continues to work with ACC on proactive material to
support your office during this consultation stage.
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
ACC performance reporting follows a monthly cycle and has not been finalised for August. The below
information was provided in your weekly report on 29 August 2024.
You will receive an updated performance dashboard directly after the ACC Board considers the
report on 18 September 2024. ACC Board Chair, Dr Tracey Batten, and Chief Executive, Megan Main
will discuss the dashboard and ACC’s rehabilitation performance when you meet with them on 24
September 2024.
To support your attendance at this meeting, Treasury officials will meet with you on 17 September
2024 to discuss ACC’s draft August performance dashboard, and then provide an aide memoire with
suggested talking points on the finalised dashboard ahead of your meeting with Tracey Batten and
Megan Main.
Assisted Recovery 1:1 Case Management
ACC has now transitioned all designated Assisted Recovery staff to one-to-one case management for
new and low complexity weekly compensation claims, with 100% of new claims now managed this
way. ACC closed 17,818 claims in July 2024, compared to 13,478 in June, and the ten-week return to
work rate for this cohort increased to 54.1%, up from 53.4% in June.
Establish New Integrated Recovery Team
ACC has recruited or transferred 41% of the required FTE for the team at the end of July 2024. The
exit rate for the long-term claim pool improved at 9% in July, up from 8.7% in June.
Integrated Care Pathway Musculoskeletal
4,897 ACC clients were using the new service at the end of July 2024, compared to 3,429 clients in
June. ACC forecasts that over 8,300 clients will use the service by 30 June 2025.
3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES
1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
1.1 MBIE’s Performance Plan – Portfolio plans and 12 September cost pressure Treasury deadline
The Minister of Finance wrote to you on 1 August 2024 about a new requirement for all
departments, including MBIE, to submit a Performance Plan. This was agreed by Cabinet on 29 July
2024.
MBIE’s Performance Plan is due on 7 November 2024 for review by central agencies. To show the
opportunities and trade-offs at a more detailed level, we will also produce a shorter Performance
Plan for your ACC Portfolio.
We will work with you to develop this portfolio level plan between now and mid-October, and you
will hold responsibility for signing this off. As you are away on leave from 27 September to 13
October, we will aim to provide initial advice to you before you leave and seek final decisions when
you return. We will share these portfolio plans with the Treasury at the same time as we submit the
MBIE Performance Plan that we are required to provide. Both the MBIE Performance Plan and the
portfolio level plans should show how we are looking to balance cost pressures within existing
funding and will need to include information from Crown Entities that we are responsible for
monitoring.
Treasury has given agencies two deadlines to meet before 7 November 2024. s 9(2)(f)(iv)
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 s 9(2)(f)(iv)
4
2.2 s 9(2)(f)(iv)
5
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 6 to 12 September 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
2425-1050
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 11/09/2024
GOV-034426
Meeting with CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury
ACC
Phil Riley
06/09/2024
Trust
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
GOV-034885
ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andy Milne
18/09/2024
2324-3634
Schedule 2 – Proposed additions, draft
MBIE
Bridget Duley 18/09/2024
Cabinet paper and consultation document
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 19/09/2024
T2024/2416
Treasury Report: ACC Independent Review –
Treasury
Glen Thomson 19/09/2024
Approve Terms of Reference and commence
GETS Request for Purchase
T2024/2429
Aide Memoire: Meeting with ACC Chair and
Treasury
Glen Thomson 20/09/2024
Chief Executive on 24 September 2024
GOV-034426 Meeting with CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury
ACC
Phil Riley
20/09/2024
Trust
GOV-035007
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andy Milne
26/09/2024
2425-0431
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
18
SOU
16 October
Schedule 2 – Approval to Consult
September
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
6
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Subject matter
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Subject matter
Status
Agency
Contact
None.
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
Cooper Legal
Documents relating to recommendations 75, 76, and
MBIE
13/09/2024
78-83 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse
in Care.
Member of public
Information about staff roles following restructure
ACC
13/09/2024
Member of public
Copies of advice and correspondence to the Minister
MBIE
18/09/2024
for ACC mentioning mental injury boundaries in the
ACC scheme.
RNZ
Information on ACC AI trial
ACC
18/09/2024
New Zealand Media Information about Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
ACC
20/09/2024
and Entertainment
Member of public
Investments in Israel
ACC
24/09/2024
Member of public
Information and cost of restructure
ACC
25/09/2024
Member of public
Information about proposed variation to the Elective
ACC
25/09/2024
Surgery Services contracts
Member of public
Redundancy payouts
ACC
26/09/2024
Member of public
Standard Form Agreement and Conflict Management
ACC
26/09/2024
Plans with Healthcare Providers
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
None.
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None.
7
Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 13 to 19 September 2024
Date:
19 September 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification:
In Confidence
Tracking number: 0002676
/ GOV-035232
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
19/09/2024
19/09/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO .................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE .................................................................................................................................. 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ............................................................. 3
SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) ...................................................................................................................... 4
OPERATIONS (ACC) ............................................................................................................................. 4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS .................................................................... 4
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 16 to 22 August 2024 .................................................. 6
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ..................................................................................................... 6
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers ........................................................................................ 7
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks ............................................................................ 8
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................ 8
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers ..................................................................................... 8
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have commenced drafting the necessary Amendment Regulations.
Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will need to be approved by LEG before being submitted
to the Executive Council, and are expected to come into force on 1 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
On 18 September 2024, MBIE sent a briefing seeking your feedback on, and agreement to, lodge a
Cabinet paper seeking permission from the Cabinet Social Outcomes Committee to undertake a
further round of public consultation on the independent panel’s recommended additions to
Schedule 2 [BR 2324-3634 refers]. The Cabinet paper is scheduled to go to SOU on 16 October 2024.
2025-2028 Levy Round
ACC has commenced consultation and MBIE continues to work with ACC on proactive material to
support your office during this consultation stage. Officials will discuss the consultation findings and
levy rate options with you on Tuesday 29 October 2024, and provide you with a draft Cabinet with
final recommendations on 30 October 2024.
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
ACC submitted the dashboard for August to your office on 19 September 2024. ACC Board Chair, Dr
Tracey Batten, and Chief Executive, Megan Main will discuss the dashboard and ACC’s rehabilitation
performance for August when you meet with them on 24 September 2024. A high-level summary of
how performance is tracking is provided below. Treasury will provide an aide memoire with
suggested talking points to support your attendance at this meeting.
Update on Key 2024/25 Targets
Average weekly compensation days paid (target 73.5 days; actual @ 31 August 73.4 days)
The result was unchanged in August and there are signs of stabilisation in the 13-week rolling
averages for the ten-week and nine-month rehabilitation rates. The current result remains within
range of what is required at this stage of the year to meet the June 2025 target, noting actual short-
term rehabilitation performance (as reflected in the ten-week rate) will have to start stabilising and
improving over the coming months to remain aligned to the trajectory.
Growth in long-term claims (target +10.5%; actual @ 31 August 14.7%)
Long-term claims increased 14.7% in August, up from 13.6% in July. This growth is driven by higher
entries and reactivations, and fewer exits in the month. A higher proportion of claims between 273
and 365 days in duration continue to contribute to the ongoing volume of claims entering the Long-
term Claims Pool.
3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES
1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
1.1 2024/24 October Baseline Update Submission
The October Baseline Update (OBU) is the first opportunity in this Financial Year (2024/25) to make
changes to appropriations to reflect or implement relevant Cabinet or joint Ministers decisions
approved since Budget 2024 (in line with Cabinet Office Circular CO (18) 2).
We will provide you with a briefing by 2 October with the submission information for your portfolio.
You will need to provide the OBU submissions to the Minister of Finance by 1pm, Wednesday
9 October 2024, MBIE will support your office to meet the 9 October deadline.
As you will be overseas for the dates outlined above, Associate/Acting Minister Lee will need to sign-
out these documents.
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 ACC to provide written evidence to the Petitions Committee
The Petitions Committee has invited separate written evidence from ACC and Medsafe in response
to a petition requesting that the House of Representatives: “
Initiate a full investigation into the
promotion, funding, distribution and prescription of all Essure devices for NZ women; find, contact,
and advise women who received these devices that they have been recalled; and offer full ACC
coverage for any Essure-related care they may require.”
ACC’s written evidence is due to the Committee by 8 October 2024. ACC will respond to the
petitioner’s request to “
offer full ACC coverage for any Essure-related care they may require” by
explaining the availability of cover and entitlements for treatment injury claims related to Essure
devices. Medsafe will respond separately to the remaining points.
ACC is part of an Essure contraceptive device working group established by Te Whatu Ora - Health
New Zealand. ACC can provide a copy of its evidence to your office, if required.
2.2 Withdrawal of labour by Hato Hone St John personnel
First Union has notified Hato Hone St John (HHSJ) of new strike action. The strike will cease all non-
Life Preserving Service duties for six hours at the start of shifts for two 24-hour periods, from 4.00
am on 27 and 30 September 2024. ACC provided previous information on the strike in weekly reports
on 23 and 28 May, 13 and 27 June, 11 and 18 July, and 2 and 8 August 2024.
First Union is one of three unions representing ambulance personnel. The union represents around
31% of the HHSJ workforce, predominately based in the mid to upper North Island. HHSJ will apply
the Life Preserving Services process under the Employment Relations Act 2000, which should ensure
that it is able to respond to calls triaged as PURPLE (immediately life threatening) or RED (potentially
life threatening or time critical).
Some patients who have a higher acuity condition than initially recognised may be triaged as lower
acuity and receive a delayed ambulance response, and this could lead to adverse patient outcomes.
To minimise clinical risk, HHSJ will bolster its clinical secondary triage capacity by reviewing incidents
with a delayed response and upgrading patients to RED priority, if clinically required. HHSJ has
advised that it will also consider the need for further mitigations.
The unions who represent the remainder of the ambulance workforce (Amalgamated Workers Union
New Zealand / New Zealand Ambulance Association) have recommended that their members ratify
an offer from HHSJ and have not notified agencies of further strike action.
s 9(2)(g)(i)
s 9(2)(j)
4
Health NZ and the ACC media team has reactive messaging prepared. ACC will provide further
updates to your office, as required.
5
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 13 to 19 September 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
2324-3634
Schedule 2 – Proposed additions, draft
MBIE
Bridget Duley 18/09/2024
Cabinet paper and consultation document
0002936
Abuse in Care Royal Commission
MBIE
Bridget Duley 18/09/2024
recommendations on the Accident
Compensation Scheme
T2024/2416
Treasury Report: ACC Independent Review –
Treasury
Glen Thomson 18/09/2024
Approve Terms of Reference and commence
GETS Request for Purchase
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
T2024/2429
Aide Memoire: Meeting with ACC Chair and
Treasury
Glen Thomson 20/09/2024
Chief Executive on Tuesday 24 September
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 25/09/2024
GOV-035007
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne 27/09/2024
GOV-035207
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne 27/09/2024
TBC
2024/25 October Baseline Update
MBIE
Anna Clark
2/10/2024
Submission
2425-0431
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
GOV-034885
ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andrew Milne
TBC
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
Sent
SOU
16 October
Schedule 2 – Approval to Consult
18/09/2024
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
6
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
7
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
NZME
Information about Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
ACC
20/09/2024
Member of public
Investments in Israel
ACC
24/09/2024
Member of public
Information and cost of restructure
ACC
25/09/2024
Member of public
Information about proposed variation to the Elective
ACC
25/09/2024
Surgery Services contracts
Member of public
Redundancy payouts
ACC
26/09/2024
Member of public
Standard Form Agreement and Conflict Management
ACC
26/09/2024
Plans with Healthcare Providers
Radio NZ
Bain report mentioned in Next Generation Case
ACC
27/09/2024
Management report
Radio NZ
Privacy breaches
ACC
27/09/2024
Member of public
Details for survey about Rongoā Māori as part of
ACC
27/09/2024
rehabilitation
Newsroom
Cost involved for claims relating to a particular client who
ACC
27/09/2024
was in state care
Member of public
GOV-034982- Follow up to previous request and
ACC
30/09/2024
additional request for BCG report
Member of public
Details about work levies
ACC
01/10/2024
Radio NZ
Shaping Our Future transformation project
ACC
02/10/2024
Advocate
Details about Integrated Recovery Team
ACC
03/10/2024
Member of public
Financial support if someone died of an injury
ACC
03/10/2024
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
None
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None
8
Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 20 to 26 September 2024
Date:
26 September 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification: In Confidence
Tracking number: BRIEFING-REQ-0002677 /
GOV-035232
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
26/09/2024
26/09/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO .................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE .................................................................................................................................. 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ............................................................. 4
SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) ...................................................................................................................... 4
OPERATIONS (ACC) ............................................................................................................................. 4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS .................................................................... 5
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 20 to 26 September 2024 ........................................... 5
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ..................................................................................................... 5
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks ............................................................................ 6
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................ 6
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers ..................................................................................... 6
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have commenced drafting the necessary Amendment Regulations.
Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will need to be approved by the Cabinet Legislation
Committee (LEG) before being submitted to the Executive Council, and are expected to come into
force on 1 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
On 25 September 2024, you agreed to seek permission from the Cabinet Social Outcomes
Committee (SOU) to undertake a further round of public consultation on fourteen recommended
additions to Schedule 2 [BR 0003235 refers]. The Cabinet paper is scheduled to be considered by
SOU on 23 October 2024.
2025-2028 Levy Round
ACC has commenced public consultation and MBIE continues to work with ACC on proactive material
to support your office during this consultation stage. Officials will discuss the consultation findings
and levy rate options with you on 29 October 2024, and provide you with a draft Cabinet with final
recommendations on 30 October 2024.
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
Update on Key 2024/25 Targets (noted in weekly report on 19 September)
Average weekly compensation days paid (target 73.5 days; actual 73.4 days)
The result was unchanged in August and there are signs of stabilisation in the 13-week rolling
averages for the ten-week and nine-month rehabilitation rates. The result remains within range of
what is required at this stage of the year to meet the June 2025 target. However, actual short-term
rehabilitation performance (as reflected in the ten-week rate) will have to start stabilising and
improving over the coming months to remain aligned to the trajectory.
Growth in long-term claims (target +10.5%; actual + 14.7%)
Long-term claims increased 14.7% in August, up from 13.6% in July. This growth is driven by higher
entries and reactivations, and fewer exits from the Scheme during the month. A high proportion of
claims between 273 and 365 days in duration continues to contribute to the volume of claims
entering the long-term claim pool.
Assisted Recovery 1:1 Case Management
ACC has completed the transition to a one-to-one case management model for new and low
complexity weekly compensation claims in Assisted Recovery. ACC expects that the ten-week return
to work rate for this cohort will improve and should in turn drive stabilisation of the average weekly
compensation days paid Service Agreement measure. Increasing volumes of claims on hand and
claims closed is a positive early indicator for the transition. The impact on outcomes will be assessed
in the coming months once sufficient volumes of claims exit from the new approach. Claims closed to
date was 23,286 at the end of August, compared to 17,818 at the end of July. Ten-week return to
work (rolling 52 weeks) for Assisted Recovery increased to 55.4%, up from 54.6% in July.
Establish New Integrated Recovery Team
3
The new team will enable ACC to focus on long-term claim pool clients who have been out of work for
extended periods and have the potential to achieve a positive rehabilitation outcome. Once
implemented, ACC expects that the exit rates for clients over 365 days will improve. This should in turn
reduce the growth rate of the long-term claim pool. ACC expects 60% of the required FTE for the team
will be on board by the end of 2024, with around 40% of the team onboarded or recruited at the end
of August.
Integrated Care Pathway - Musculoskeletal
Volumes over the first five months have been higher than anticipated from the original modelling,
with 5,852 accepted claims, compared to the 2,672 claims anticipated. ACC forecasts that over 8,300
clients will use the service by 30 June 2025. ACC expects to see improvements in return-to-work
durations for this cohort as the number of clients completing rehabilitation scales up. This should in
turn help to stabilise the average weekly compensation days paid Service Agreement measure.
Tighter management and a focus on monitoring accepted referrals against entry criteria over the last
three months has reset the expectations of suppliers. This reduced the number of accepted claims
for August and should result in fewer declined referrals and early exits. At the end of August, 150
clients had successfully exited the pathway and 573 were classed as early exits, with 90% of these
due to eligibility issues. 1,280 claims were declined entry to the pathway. ACC is satisfied with the
pathway’s progress to date and is confident it will deliver the benefits anticipated from this new
approach.
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES 1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
1.1 None.
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 None.
4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 20 to 26 September 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
None.
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
GOV-035207 s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne 27/09/2024
TBC
2024/25 October Baseline Update
MBIE
Anna Clark
2/10/2024
Submission
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 9/10/2024
2425-0431
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
GOV-034885 ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andrew Milne 16/10/2024
GOV-035007 s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne
TBC
MOH
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
Sent 18
SOU
23 October
Schedule 2 – Approval to Consult
September
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
5
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
None.
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
Radio NZ
Privacy breaches
ACC
27/09/2024
Member of public
Details for survey about Rongoā Māori as part of
ACC
27/09/2024
rehabilitation
Newsroom
Cost involved for claims relating to a particular client who
ACC
27/09/2024
was in state care
Member of public
GOV-034982- Follow up to previous request and
ACC
30/09/2024
additional request for Boston Consulting Group report
Radio NZ
Shaping Our Future transformation project
ACC
02/10/2024
Advocate
Details about Integrated Recovery Team
ACC
03/10/2024
Member of public
Financial support if someone died of an injury
ACC
03/10/2024
Member of public
Data and details about Wall Walk activities
ACC
08/10/2024
Member of public
Levy increase proposal
ACC
10/10/2024
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
None.
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None.
6
Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 27 September to 3 October 2024
Date:
3 October 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification:
In Confidence
Tracking number: 0002678 / GOV- 035495
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a) s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
03/10/2024
03/10/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO .................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE .................................................................................................................................. 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ............................................................. 4
SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) ...................................................................................................................... 4
OPERATIONS (ACC) ............................................................................................................................. 4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS .................................................................... 5
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 20 to 26 September 2024 ........................................... 5
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ..................................................................................................... 5
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks ............................................................................ 6
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................ 6
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers ..................................................................................... 6
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have almost completed drafting the necessary Amendment
Regulations. Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will be submitted to LEG for approval s 9(2)(f)(iv)
before being submitted to the Executive Council, and are expected to come into force on
19 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
On 25 September 2024, you agreed to seek permission from the Cabinet Social Outcomes
Committee (SOU) to undertake a further round of public consultation on fourteen recommended
additions to Schedule 2 [BR 0003235 refers]. The Cabinet paper is scheduled to be considered by
SOU on 23 October 2024.
2025-2028 Levy Round
ACC has commenced public consultation and MBIE continues to work with ACC on proactive material
to support your office during this consultation stage. Officials will provide you with a draft Cabinet
with final recommendations on 25 October 2024 and discuss the consultation findings and levy rate
options with you on 29 October 2024. s 9(2)(f)(iv)
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
Update on Key 2024/25 Targets (noted in weekly report on 26 September)
Average weekly compensation days paid (target 73.5 days; actual 73.4 days)
As previously advised, the result was unchanged in August and there are signs of stabilisation in the
13-week rolling averages for the ten-week and nine-month rehabilitation rates. The result remains
within range of what is required at this stage of the year to meet the June 2025 target. However,
actual short-term rehabilitation performance (as reflected in the ten-week rate) will have to start
stabilising and improving over the coming months to remain aligned to the trajectory.
Growth in long-term claims (target +10.5%; actual + 14.7%)
As previously advised, long-term claims increased 14.7% in August, up from 13.6% in July. This
growth is driven by higher entries and reactivations, and fewer exits from the Scheme during the
month. A high proportion of claims between 273 and 365 days in duration continues to contribute to
the volume of claims entering the Long-term Claims Pool.
Assisted Recovery 1:1 Case Management As previously advised, ACC has completed the transition to a one-to-one case management model
for new and low complexity weekly compensation claims in Assisted Recovery. ACC expects that the
ten-week return to work rate for this cohort will improve and should in turn drive stabilisation of the
average weekly compensation days paid Service Agreement measure. Increasing volumes of claims
on hand and claims closed is a positive early indicator for the transition. The impact on outcomes will
be assessed in the coming months once sufficient volumes of claims exit from the new approach.
Claims closed to date was 23,286 at the end of August, compared to 17,818 at the end of July. Ten-
week return to work (rolling 52 weeks) Assisted Recovery increased to 55.4%, up from 54.6% in July.
3
Establish New Integrated Recovery Team
As previously advised, the new integrated recovery team will enable ACC to focus on long-term claim
pool clients who have been out of work for extended periods and have the potential to achieve a
positive rehabilitation outcome. Once implemented, ACC expects that the exit rates for clients over
365 days will improve. This should in turn reduce the growth rate of the long-term claim pool. ACC
expects 60% of the required FTE for the team will be onboard by the end of 2024, with around 40% of
the team onboarded or recruited at the end of August.
Integrated Care Pathway - Musculoskeletal
As previously advised, volumes over the first five months have been higher than anticipated from the
original modelling, with 5,852 accepted claims, compared to the 2,672 claims anticipated. ACC
forecasts that over 8,300 clients will use the service by 30 June 2025. ACC expects to see
improvements in return-to-work durations for this cohort as the number of clients completing
rehabilitation scales up. This should in turn help to stabilise the average weekly compensation days
paid Service Agreement measure.
Tighter management and a focus on monitoring accepted referrals against entry criteria and over the
last three months has reset the expectations of suppliers. This reduced the number of accepted
claims for August and should result in fewer declined referrals and early exits. At the end of August,
150 clients had successfully exited the pathway and 573 were classed as early exits, with 90% of
these due to eligibility issues. 1,280 claims were declined entry to ICPMSK. ACC is satisfied with the
pathway’s progress to date and is confident it will deliver the benefits anticipated from this new
approach.
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES
1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
1.1 None.
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 The ACC Rongoā Māori Service won the Māori Crown Award at the Public Service Commission’s
Spirit of Service Awards on 26 September.
The Māori Crown Award celebrates outstanding contributions to Māori Crown relationships through
innovation, durability, and opportunities. The Rongoā Māori Service was recognised
for providing
choice to Māori and their whānau when recovering from injury. Over 11,000 clients and whānau have
accessed rongoā Māori since the service began. The value of the service has also spread beyond Māori,
with non-Māori making up 42% of clients accessing rongoā services.
In addition, ACC’s Injury Prevention Team was recognised for its contribution to the Driver Licensing
Improvement Programme, which won the Better Outcomes Award and the Prime Minister's Award
for the overall winner of the year. The programme is a cross-government and community
organisations partnership that supports communities with low licence rates, who experience
significant impacts from not having a licence. The initiative has opened doors to many opportunities
that a driver licence provides including employment, education, support for whānau and healthcare,
and enabling more people to become safe licenced drivers.
4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 27 September to 3 October 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
None.
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
GOV-035207
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne 27/09/2024
0003087
2024/25 October Baseline Update
MBIE
Anna Clark
7/10/2024
Submission
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
9/10/2024
N/A
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
TSY/ACC/
N/A
14/10/2024
MBIE
2425-0431
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
GOV-034885
ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andrew Milne 16/10/2024
GOV-035007
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne
TBC
MOH
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
00004344
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
Sent 18
SOU
23 October
Schedule 2 – approval to consult
September
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
5
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
None.
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
Member of public
Redundancy payouts
ACC
04/10/2024
Member of public
Data and details about Wall Walk activities
ACC
08/10/2024
Member of public
Levy increase proposal
ACC
10/10/2024
Member of public
Advice given on male sexual abuse and sensitive claims
ACC
11/10/2024
Newsroom
Ministerial advice on alternative dispute resolution
ACC
15/10/2024
Member of public
External reports regarding HTIS benchmarking in NZ
ACC
17/10/2024
Member of public
Reports to ACC Board on Rehabilitation Improvement
ACC
18/10/2024
Group
Member of public
Risk margins in the OCL
MBIE
18/10/2024
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
None.
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None.
6
Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 4 to 10 October 2024
Date:
10 October 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification:
In Confidence
Tracking number: 0004705 / GOV-035704
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
10/10/2024
10/10/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO .................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE .................................................................................................................................. 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ............................................................. 4
1.
SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) ............................................................................................................. 4
2. OPERATIONS (ACC) .................................................................................................................... 4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS .................................................................... 5
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 27 September to 3 October 2024 ............................... 5
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ..................................................................................................... 5
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks ............................................................................ 6
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................ 7
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers ..................................................................................... 7
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have almost completed drafting the necessary Amendment
Regulations. Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will be submitted to Cabinet Legislation
Committee for approval s 9(2)(f)(iv)
before being submitted to the Executive Council, and
are expected to come into force on 19 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
On 25 September 2024, you agreed to seek permission from the Cabinet Social Outcomes
Committee (SOU) to undertake a further round of public consultation on fourteen recommended
additions to Schedule 2 [BR 0003235 refers]. The Cabinet paper is scheduled to be considered by
SOU on 23 October 2024.
2025-2028 Levy Round
Public consultation has now closed. MBIE and ACC are now concentrating on finalising advice to you
on how issues raised should be addressed. MBIE will also receive the first draft of the independent
advice from Finity Consulting Ltd. which considers other scenarios for setting aggregate levy rates,
outside of the Funding Policy Statement. Officials will provide you with a draft Cabinet paper with
final recommendations on 24 October 2024, and discuss the consultation findings and levy rate
options with you on 29 October 2024. s 9(2)(f)(iv)
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
Update on Key 2024/25 Targets (noted in weekly report on 3 October)
Average weekly compensation days paid (target 73.5 days; actual 73.4 days)
As previously advised, the result was unchanged in August and there are signs of stabilisation in the
13-week rolling averages for the ten-week and nine-month rehabilitation rates. The result remains
within range of what is required at this stage of the year to meet the June 2025 target. However,
actual short-term rehabilitation performance (as reflected in the ten-week rate) will have to start
stabilising and improving over the coming months to remain aligned to the trajectory.
Growth in long-term claims (target +10.5%; actual + 14.7%)
As previously advised, long-term claims increased 14.7% in August, up from 13.6% in July. This
growth is driven by higher entries and reactivations, and fewer exits from the Scheme during the
month. A high proportion of claims between 273 and 365 days in duration continues to contribute to
the volume of claims entering the Long-term Claims Pool.
3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES
1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
1.1 None.
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 Levy consultation update
Levy consultation closed on 9 October 2024, and ACC received a total of 8,683 submissions on the
2025-2028 levy proposals. ACC will now consider all the submissions received and final
recommendations will be made by the ACC Board on levy proposals.
The ACC Board’s final recommendations will be provided to you on 25 October 2024. A meeting has
been arranged on 29 October 2024 for ACC and MBIE officials to discuss the Board’s recommendations
with you.
2.2 Joint initiative to change driver behaviour around cell phone use
ACC, NZTA, and the NZ Police are planning a new joint initiative, to publicly launch around April 2025.
The initiative will leverage media, local enforcement and community engagement to encourage people
to pause and consider the consequences before they reach for their cell phone while driving. The
campaign will leverage ACC’s ‘Have a hmmm’ initiative.
Between 2012 and 2023, five percent of road deaths and serious injuries were attributed to cell phone
distraction. The Public Attitude to Road Safety Report (Q2 April -June 2024 report) indicates that three
in five drivers (61%) claim to have made hands-free phone calls while driving in the past month and
22% to have made hand-held phone calls. Just under two in five drivers (37%) claim to have texted
while driving. The report can be found at this link: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/public-
attitudes-to-road-safety/public-attitudes-to-road-safety-Q2-apr-jun-2024.pdf.
2.3 Outstanding Contribution to Health & Safety Award – ACC’s ‘Recovery at Work’ workplace trial
The Transporting New Zealand Industry Awards, held on 5 October 2024, celebrated outstanding
contributions to the transport sector. They honour individuals, organisations, or companies excelling in
skills, safety, training, innovation, and industry awareness.
K&S Freighters won the award for EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety for their work
with ACC and Transporting New Zealand, on a Recovery at Work workplace trial in the road freight
transport sector.
Workers in the road freight transport sector suffer a higher rate of injury than the national average.
This trial focused on identifying and testing a range of interventions that workplaces could implement
to support injured employees safely and successfully return to work (and use work as an active part of
their recovery and rehabilitation).
For more information on ACC’s Recovery at Work campaign, see here: https://www.acc.co.nz/about-
us/our-campaigns-and-programmes/teamwork-makes-recovery-work
4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 27 September to 3 October 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
0003087
2024/25 October Baseline Update
MBIE
Anna Clark
07/10/2024
Submission
GOV-035709
Annual Report 2024
ACC
Andy Milne
09/10/2024
GOV-035334
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne 26/09/2024
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
N/A
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
TSY/ACC/
N/A
14/10/2024
MBIE
0004990
Ministerial Group meeting - Abuse in Care
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
Royal Commission of Inquiry - 15 October
2024 meeting
00004344
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
0004934
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
0004653
ACC Definitions and other amendment
MBIE
Bridget Duley 14/10/2024
regulations – Cabinet paper for lodgement
0004945
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 24/10/2024
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
GOV-034885
ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andrew Milne 31/10/2024
GOV-035007
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Andrew Milne 31/10/2024
MOH
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
Sent 18
SOU
23 October
Schedule 2 – approval to consult
September
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
5
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
None.
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
Member of public
Levy increase proposal
ACC
10/10/2024
Mediaworks
Advice given on male sexual abuse and sensitive claims
ACC
11/10/2024
Radio New Zealand Weekly reports since the one sent 25 July, until date of
MBIE
14/10/2024
request (27 September 2024)
Newsroom
Ministerial advice on alternative dispute resolution
ACC
15/10/2024
Labour Leader’s
ECO Committee Cabinet minute for ACC levies
MBIE
15/10/2024
Office
Radio New Zealand Specific advice received by Minister on Royal Commission
MBIE
16/10/2024
of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
Member of public
External reports regarding HTIS benchmarking in NZ
ACC
17/10/2024
Member of public
Reports to ACC Board on Rehabilitation Improvement
ACC
18/10/2024
Group
Member of public
Risk margins in the OCL
MBIE
18/10/2024
Member of public
Information sharing with social media platforms
ACC
21/10/2024
s 9(2)(a)
Decisions made in relation to tenants at Morrison Square
ACC
21/10/2024
6
University of
Standard Form Agreement and Conflict Management
ACC
22/10/2024
Auckland
Plans with Healthcare Providers
BusinessDesk
Information and cost of restructure
ACC
23/10/2024
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
None.
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None.
7
Weekly Report to the Minister for ACC
For the period from 11 to 17 October 2024
Date:
17 October 2024
Priority:
Routine
Security classification:
In Confidence
Tracking number: 0005146/ GOV-035875
Action sought
Deadline
Hon Matt Doocey
Note the contents of this report.
N/A
Cc Hon Melissa Lee
Name
Position
Telephone
Bridget Duley
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy, MBIE
04 897 6364
s 9(2)(a)
Shaun Jones
Head of External Engagement, ACC
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
s 9(2)(a)
Bridget Duley
Shaun Jones
Manager, Accident Compensation Policy
Head of External Engagement
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
ACC
17/10/2024
17/10/2024
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES ............................................................................................................. 3
PRIORITY ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY TWO .................................................................................................................................... 3
PRIORITY THREE .................................................................................................................................. 3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES ............................................................. 4
1.
SCHEME POLICY (MBIE) ............................................................................................................. 4
2. OPERATIONS (ACC) .................................................................................................................... 4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS .................................................................... 5
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 27 September to 3 October 2024 ............................... 5
Forthcoming Ministerial papers ..................................................................................................... 5
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks ............................................................................ 6
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................................................ 6
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers ..................................................................................... 6
2
PORTFOLIO PRIORITY UPDATES
PRIORITY ONE
Definitions Regulations
Parliamentary Counsel Office have almost completed drafting the necessary Amendment
Regulations. Once finalised, the Amendment Regulations will be submitted to Cabinet Legislation
Committee for approval s 9(2)(f)(iv)
before being submitted to the Executive Council, and
are expected to come into force on 19 December 2024.
Schedule 2 Review of Occupational Diseases
On 26 September 2024, you agreed to seek permission from the Cabinet Social Outcomes
Committee (SOU) to undertake a further round of public consultation on fourteen recommended
additions to Schedule 2 [BR 0003235 refers]. This Cabinet paper was lodged on 17 October 2024 and
is scheduled to be considered by SOU on 23 October 2024.
2025-2028 Levy Round
Public consultation has now closed. MBIE and ACC are now concentrating on finalising advice to you
on how issues raised should be addressed. Officials will provide you with a draft Cabinet paper with
final recommendations on 24 October 2024, and discuss the consultation findings and levy rate
options with you on 29 October 2024. s 9(2)(f)(iv)
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY TWO
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
PRIORITY THREE
Update on Key 2024/25 Targets (noted in weekly report on 3 October)
Average weekly compensation days paid (target 73.5 days; actual 73.4 days)
As previously advised, the result was unchanged in August and there are signs of stabilisation in the
13-week rolling averages for the ten-week and nine-month rehabilitation rates. The result remains
within range of what is required at this stage of the year to meet the June 2025 target. However,
actual short-term rehabilitation performance (as reflected in the ten-week rate) will have to start
stabilising and improving over the coming months to remain aligned to the trajectory.
Growth in long-term claims (target +10.5%; actual + 14.7%)
As previously advised, long-term claims increased 14.7% in August, up from 13.6% in July. This
growth is driven by higher entries and reactivations, and fewer exits from the Scheme during the
month. A high proportion of claims between 273 and 365 days in duration continues to contribute to
the volume of claims entering the Long-term Claims Pool.
3
POLICY, OPERATIONS, ADVICE, AND MONITORING UPDATES
1. SCHEME POLICY (MBIE)
1.1 None.
2. OPERATIONS (ACC)
2.1 2025-2028 levy recommendation announcement
As mentioned in last week’s report, on 25 October you will receive ACC’s recommendation for levy
rates and levy system changes for 2025-2028.
ACC’s legislation requires that a summary of the ACC Board’s levy recommendations be published in
the NZ Gazette and major metropolitan newspapers. ACC will do this on 7 November 2024. The
notice will include information on where copies of the recommendations and any accompanying
information can be obtained.
ACC’s levy recommendations to you, along with the final submission report and consultation
documents, will be published on the ACC website: https://www.acc.co.nz/levy-results. Following the
Cabinet decision, ACC will publish the levy rates on the same website page.
A public announcement of the decision is at the discretion of your office. ACC will not proactively
advise media of the recommendations unless there are significant changes to the proposals in the
consultation document
2.2 Nymbl Pharmacy Campaign
Pharmacists across the country have started encouraging older adults to take control of their balance
and reduce their risk of falls by encouraging the use of ACC’s Nymbl balance training app.
The Nymbl Pharmacy Campaign, which started on 14 October, is a three-month digital initiative that
was designed in partnership with ACC and the ReCare Pharmacy group. The pilot trial, which has the
support of 90% of pharmacies across the country, will use pharmacy text nudges to target adults
aged 65+ who are at a higher risk of falling.
Research shows that older adults have high levels of trust in health professionals to help them get
better when ill or injured. By leveraging the credibility and influence of pharmacists through ReCare,
ACC aims to make a real difference in reducing falls among older New Zealanders.
ACC will evaluate pilot’s success at its conclusion and update you accordingly.
4
RECENT AND UPCOMING ADVICE, PAPERS, AND EVENTS
Papers sent to the Minister for ACC from 11 to 17 October 2024
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Sent
Number
N/A
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
TSY/ACC/
Glen Thomson 14/10/2024
MBIE
0004653
ACC Definitions and other amendment
MBIE
Bridget Duley 15/10/2024
regulations – Cabinet paper for lodgement
GOV-035492
Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual
ACC
Andrew Milne 15/10/2024
Violence Ministers’ group meeting on 17
October 2024
00004344
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 16/10/2024
0004934
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 16/10/2024
Forthcoming Ministerial papers
Tracker
Title
Agency
Signed Out By
Due by
Number
GOV-034885
ACC’s role in workforce development
ACC
Andrew Milne 23/10/2024
0004945
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley 24/10/2024
2324-2832
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
2324-2831
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
MBIE
Bridget Duley
TBC
Upcoming Cabinet papers
Title
Agency
Date due to Committee
Committee
Minister
date
Seeking Feedback on Proposed Additions to
MBIE
Sent 18
SOU
23 October
Schedule 2 – approval to consult
September
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
5
ACC comments on draft Cabinet papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
s 9(2)(f)(iv)
ACC
Alexia Ford
ACC comments on other agency papers
Paper from
Title
Status
Agency
Contact
None.
Significant OIAs due out in the next two weeks
Requestor
Subject
Agency
Due
Radio New Zealand Weekly reports since the one sent 25 July, until date of
MBIE
14/10/2024
request (27 September 2024)
Labour Leader’s
ECO Committee Cabinet minute for ACC levies
MBIE
15/10/2024
Office
Radio New Zealand Specific advice received by Minister on Royal Commission
MBIE
15/10/2024
of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
Member of public
External reports regarding HTIS benchmarking in NZ
ACC
17/10/2024
Member of public
Reports to ACC Board on Rehabilitation Improvement
ACC
18/10/2024
Group
Member of public
Risk margins in the OCL
MBIE
18/10/2024
Member of public
Information sharing with social media platforms
ACC
21/10/2024
Member of public
Decisions made in relation to tenants at Morrison Square
ACC
21/10/2024
University of
Standard Form Agreement and Conflict Management
ACC
22/10/2024
Auckland
Plans with Healthcare Providers
BusinessDesk
Information and cost of restructure
ACC
23/10/2024
Bankside Chambers Follow up to previous request and additional request for
ACC
29/10/2024
Boston Consulting Group report
Bankside Chambers Information about proposed variation to the Elective
ACC
29/10/2024
Surgery Services contracts
Upcoming Events
When
Where
Comment
IronMāori Half and Quarter distance triathlon: ACC is once
2 November
Ahuriri Napier
again sponsoring this event. At the event, ACC will support
2024
participants by offering Rongoā Māori and a Whānau Zone.
Upcoming ACC related visits by Ministers
When
Where
Comment
None.
6
